Santo "Santy" Trombetta, 1977
Santo "Santy" Trombetta, who graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Mesa College, has made significant contributions to veterans' healthcare and rehabilitation. He began his public service at the Collbran Job Corps Center, mentoring underprivileged youth and coaching the Center's softball team to a Grand Junction city championship after a 14-year losing streak.
In 1980, Trombetta became a Recreation Therapist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Junction. He pioneered the use of adaptive skiing as rehabilitation, developing the Powderhorn adaptive ski program and founding the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Now the largest adaptive ski program of its kind, the clinic has helped thousands of disabled veterans learn to ski — producing numerous national, world and Paralympic champions.
Trombetta is a recognized leader in Recreation Therapy. His honors include the 1988 Air Force Association VA Employee of the Year, the 1990 Colorado Lieutenant Governor's Award and the 1995 Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding VA Healthcare Provider award. In 1996, he was selected as one of five exemplary individuals nationwide to attend the first historic Surgeon General's report on Physical Activity and Health. He graduated from the VA’s leadership class in 2000 and received the Department of Defense (DoD) Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2005 — the highest honorary award the DoD bestows on a private citizen.
He collaborates with the U.S. Olympic Committee to develop disabled veteran athletes for Paralympic competition. His work has been featured in numerous publications and media, including CBS’s Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt, a Travis Tritt tribute video and a week-long series on MSNBC.
Trombetta's innovative rehabilitation programs and dedication to veterans’ health have left a powerful and lasting legacy.